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Auricular leishmaniasis mimicking squamous cell carcinoma

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 March 2017

M-T Khorsandi-Ashtiani ,
M Hasibi ,
N Yazdani ,
J A Paydarfar ,
F Sadri ,
F Mirashrafi  and
A Kouhi
M-T Khorsandi-Ashtiani
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Otorhinolaryngology Research Center, Amir-A'lam Hospital, Medical Sciences/University of Tehran, Iran
M Hasibi
Affiliation:
Department of Infectious Disease, Amir-A'lam Hospital, Medical Sciences/University of Tehran, Iran
N Yazdani
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Otorhinolaryngology Research Center, Amir-A'lam Hospital, Medical Sciences/University of Tehran, Iran
J A Paydarfar
Affiliation:
Otolaryngology Department, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
F Sadri
Affiliation:
Department of Parasitology, Razi Hospital, Medical Sciences/University of Tehran, Iran
F Mirashrafi
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Otorhinolaryngology Research Center, Amir-A'lam Hospital, Medical Sciences/University of Tehran, Iran
A Kouhi*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Otorhinolaryngology Research Center, Amir-A'lam Hospital, Medical Sciences/University of Tehran, Iran
*
Address for correspondence: Dr Ali Kouhi, Otorhinolaryngology Research Center, Amir-A'lam Hospital, South Sa'adi Ave, PO Box 11457-65111, Tehran, Iran. Fax: +98 21 66760269 E-mail: akouhi@razi.tums.ac.ir
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Abstract

Objectives:

We report a rare case of auricular involvement by leishmaniasis, in order to demonstrate the importance of thorough investigation of cutaneous head and neck lesions, and also the importance of inclusion of infections such as leishmaniasis in the differential diagnosis of auricular lesions, especially in endemic areas.

Case history:

A 42-year-old man with multiple lesions on his head, neck and hands was referred to our centre. He had the following lesions: a painful, crusted, 8 × 8 cm plaque with indurated margins on the left parotid region and auricle; a red papule on the right temporal region; an ulcerative lesion on the skin overlying the proximal interphalangeal joint of the fifth finger of the right hand; and a bluish papule on the neck. Although histopathological examination of the Geimsa-stained specimen was misleading, a direct smear prepared from biopsies showed amastigotes, and therapy resulted in complete recovery.

Conclusion:

Leishmaniasis can be both under- or over-diagnosed. Especially in endemic areas, parasitic causes of chronic infections should always be kept in mind.

Keywords

LeishmaniasisSkinExternal Ear
Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 123 , Issue 8 , August 2009 , pp. 915 - 918
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2008

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